Tag Archives: Casa Ferreirinha

Wine of the week: Casa Ferreirinha Esteva 2018

Casa Ferreirinha Esteva
Casa Ferreirinha Esteva 2018/$8-$14

This Portuguese red blend from a Big Wine company is spot on – enjoyable entry-level wine that’s fairly priced

Yes, one more fairly-priced, professionally-made and enjoyable Portuguese red wine. So please don’t be afraid of the blend – four grapes that you’ve probably never heard of – or that Ferreirinha is difficult to pronounce.

That’s because the Casa Ferreirinha Esteva 2018 ($12, sample, 13%) is an example of Big Wine doing what Big Wine should be able to do best – use its resources to make enjoyable entry level bottles. Sogrape owns wineries in five countries, including blog favorite LAN in Spain and Quinta de Azevedo, a top vinho verde label.

The Esteva is heavy enough so that you’ll know it’s Portuguese, but modern enough so that it’s not so heavy as to be off-putting. Look for fresh red fruit with soft tannins and a surprisingly long and balanced finish. The acidity is spot on, too – how about an old-fashioned pot roast?

Vintage note: There may not be much 2018 left; one of the hazards with samples is that they may not send the current vintage. But the 2019 and even the 2020 should be similar in style.

Imported by Evaton

Wine of the week: Casa Ferreirinha Planalto 2019

Casa Ferreirinha Planalto
Casa Ferreirinha Planalto 2019/$10-$16

This Portugese white wine shows once again that Portugal delivers quality and value

First, it was Portuguese red wines. Now, it’s Portuguese whites. The wine world, once we get out of the pigeon holes assigned to us by our betters, is an amazing place. There’s quality and value, if only we would look.

The Casa Ferreirinha Planalto 2019 ($11, sample, 12.5%) shows, like its country’s reds, how far the whites have come. It’s not old, yellow-ish and oxidized, as often used to be the case. Rather, it’s fresh, vibrant, and fruity, a truly amazing wine at this price.

Know, first, that it’s a blend, just as most of Portugal’s reds are. But don’t worry if you haven’t heard of any of the grapes: viosinho, malvasia fina, gouveio, arinto, and códeg. Vioainho and malvasia fino, for example, have been traditionally been used to make port.

Know, second, that the wine offers a little lime, something tropical in the middle, and a long, clean finish. Frankly, I was stunned – yes, Portuguese whites have continued to improve, but I didn’t know they had improved this much.

Chill this and drink it on its own as summer ends, or pair it with grilled seafood or chicken marinated in garlic and olive oil. Highly recommended, and candidate for the Hall of Fame in 2022.

Imported by Evaton